Kayland Footwear's 2008 Offerings For Hard Core and Conventional Use

HAMPTON, NH – Whether competing for the title of Ice Climbing World Cup Champion or exploring the woods at a local state park, Kayland’s 2008 line has it covered. Kayland’s key products for fall winter 2008 include: the Ice Dragon BD, a pro-level ice climbing performer; M11+, an award-winning mountaineering boot; Convert, the flagship product of the new light hiking line; and Dragonfly eVent, a technical trailrunner in a new category for Kayland.

“Based on the recognition we’ve received as result of industry awards and outstanding product reviews, we believe we are well positioned to expand existing lines and introduce new ones,” explains Brent Merriam, vice president of Novation North America, Inc., the US subsidiary of Kayland’s parent company, Novation S.p.A. “At the same time, we continue to cater to our loyal, hardcore customers with additions to our mountaineering line.”

Hitting the Trail in 2008
The Dragonfly eVent is a technical trail runner built for speed, stability, and comfort, and comes equipped with eVent fabric for battling the elements. The shoe is packed with performance features such as the ultralight mesh/microfiber upper; gusseted tongue; abrasion resistant patches in high-wear areas; asymmetrical lacing system that mimics the natural foot shape; an integrated Heel Lock System; an overmolded TPU support structure; and the new Kayland Surefly Sole offering excellent grip, a precise fit and superior shock absorption. Available in black, its MSRP is $114.95.

Light Hikers, Heavy-Duty Features
Designed for light backpacking, day hikes and moving fast on the trail , the new Convert and Convert W are stylish, high-performance boots featuring a durable suede upper, waterproof protection from eVent® that “lets the sweat out”, and the new Kayland Active Sole. Many of the boots’ features are based on the award-winning Vertigo High and the best-selling Contact, both from the Backpacking category. The boot’s Convert Lacing System combines an anatomical, asymmetrical, extended lacing for precise adjustability all the way to the toe; free-floating lace points for optimal conformability of the upper; and an ankle lock system to hold the heel in place. The new Active Sole features a durable, high-traction rubber outsole, a molded EVA midsole, and molded TPU stabilizers in the arch and heel. All combine to ensure superior grip, stability, and cushioning on and off trail. The Convert W features true women’s specific lasting. Available in Vintage Brown for men or Grey/Sky and Green for women, its MSRP is $184.95.

Extreme Performers, Head-Turning Designs
Both the Ice Dragon BD and the M11+ have attitude in more ways than one. Born for world class competition, the Ice Dragon BD sports a stunning red dragon motif while the award-winning M11+ is sleek and silver, with a subtle floral cutout in the green and black women’s version.

The Ice Dragon BD is the boot of choice for 4-time Ice Climbing World Cup champion Evgeny Krivosheitcev. A pro-level performer for climbing, dry-tooling and new discipline mixed climbs, it features Black Diamond Raptor crampons mounted directly onto a composite sole; a stiff and light ultra-low profile outsole providing optimal precision by putting the climbing surface as close to the foot as possible; and a rubber rand for protection and good grip. An ultra light and durable upper is reinforced medially with schoeller® and a layer of Primaloft keeps feet warm and comfortable. Two closures one outside and one inside, in addition to the ergonomically placed padding, wrap and cradle the foot precisely for enhanced sensitivity during foot placement. Available in silver/red, its MSRP is $574.95.

New for 2008, the M11+ improves upon the award-winning M11, recipient of the 2007 Rock and Ice Best in Gear award. With reduced weight and improved durability, the M11+ is perfect for ice, mixed climbing, high-altitude mountaineering and dry tooling. The new front crampon bail is integrated with a full-length TPU midsole support structure and combined with a composite insole for a 20 percent weight savings. An integrated schoeller®-WB-formula gaiter offers outside weather-proofing, inside climate control and unrestricted movement. The Dual-Zone Lacing System features a lace lock for bi-zonal fine tuning. Available in black/silver for men and black/green for women, its MSRP is $399.95.

Kayland is an Italian manufacturer of high performance mountaineering, backpacking, hiking, and multi-sport footwear, with a reputation for outstanding fit and innovative materials and technology. With North American headquarters and a distribution center in the Chicago area, Kayland USA is focused on providing quality products and outstanding service to its US customers. Kayland’s Vertigo High boot won the 2007 Backpacker magazine Editors’ Choice Award, the most prestigious award in the outdoor industry, given annually to products in recognition of their outstanding innovation in design materials and/or performance. Kayland also received Rock & Ice’s Best in Gear Award for its M11 mountaineering boot. Visit Kayland at www.kayland.com

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